Updates of ancient tradition come no classier than this innovative album from Morocco's Sahmaoui, who as a child learned the mysteries of gnawa music, a fusion of Arabic north and sub-Saharan south. Gnawa is concerned with devotion and healing, but its reach is broadened by Sahmaoui, a sophisticate of lute and gimbri who for several years played alongside the late Joe Zawinul. Backed by a taut Senegalese band, mixing standards and socially aware originals, Sahmaoui conjures a rocking, nuanced brand of gnawa trance, fine-tuned by producer Martin Messonier. Bluesy call and response, invocations of spirit guides and a cover of Zawinul's "Black Market" add up to a thrilling debut.